While Kudlow is not a fan of tariffs and other so-called ‘protectionist’ measures, he is a true believer in standing up to China’s trade abuses.

The leading Trump administration opponents of an aggressive stance on trade are now Jim Mattis and HR McMaster, according to people familiar with the matter.

Tillerson had been responsible last year for delaying the announcement of the administration’s decision to initiate the crackdown on China’s intellectual property abuses, arguing that it would hinder other diplomatic goals.

As a member of Congress, where he represented the fourth district in Kansas, Pompeo voted for free trade agreements, including the Korea Trade Agreement and the Columbia Trade Promotion Agreement.